There was no indication of any aircraft system malfunction or airframe failure before impact. Because the pilot was flying VFR, he relied on visual orientation cues, such as the natural horizon and surface references, to maintain the desired attitude of the aircraft. The existing weather conditions were better than those specified by regulation for VFR operations; however, when external visual cues became obscured by whiteout conditions, the pilot was subject to disorientation with respect to the relationship between the aircraft and the surface because there were no distinguishing features. To counteract this disorientation, it is necessary to revert to flight instruments to determine and maintain aircraft attitude. However, the pilot was not instrument rated, was unable to regain visual reference, and was therefore unable to maintain control of the helicopter. The survival kit was encased in multiple layers of protective covering. Because of the durability of the coverings and the strength of the fasteners, it would be extremely difficult or impossible for a survivor with hand or arm injuries to open the survival kit, particularly in cold weather.Analysis There was no indication of any aircraft system malfunction or airframe failure before impact. Because the pilot was flying VFR, he relied on visual orientation cues, such as the natural horizon and surface references, to maintain the desired attitude of the aircraft. The existing weather conditions were better than those specified by regulation for VFR operations; however, when external visual cues became obscured by whiteout conditions, the pilot was subject to disorientation with respect to the relationship between the aircraft and the surface because there were no distinguishing features. To counteract this disorientation, it is necessary to revert to flight instruments to determine and maintain aircraft attitude. However, the pilot was not instrument rated, was unable to regain visual reference, and was therefore unable to maintain control of the helicopter. The survival kit was encased in multiple layers of protective covering. Because of the durability of the coverings and the strength of the fasteners, it would be extremely difficult or impossible for a survivor with hand or arm injuries to open the survival kit, particularly in cold weather. Whiteout conditions impaired the pilot's visual reference to the surface. As a result, he was unable to maintain control of the helicopter. The seat belts and shoulder harnesses failed because the fuselage disintegrated.Findings as to Causes and Contributing Factors Whiteout conditions impaired the pilot's visual reference to the surface. As a result, he was unable to maintain control of the helicopter. The seat belts and shoulder harnesses failed because the fuselage disintegrated. The survival kit would have been extremely difficult or impossible for a survivor with hand or arm injuries to open, especially in the existing cold weather. The emergency locator transmitter (ELT) antenna cable separated during impact, rendering the ELT partially ineffective.Findings as to Risk The survival kit would have been extremely difficult or impossible for a survivor with hand or arm injuries to open, especially in the existing cold weather. The emergency locator transmitter (ELT) antenna cable separated during impact, rendering the ELT partially ineffective. The manufacturer of the survival kit conducted field tests with the kit and has upgraded the survival equipment and made the kit easier to open. The company used velcro on its larger survival kits rather than snap fasteners and is replacing the snap fasteners with velcro on the kit involved in this occurrence. The laces on the inner flaps have also been replaced with velcro. A utility knife attached with a lanyard has been added to permit piercing and cutting of the inner seals, and an instruction card explaining the opening procedure has been included.Safety Action The manufacturer of the survival kit conducted field tests with the kit and has upgraded the survival equipment and made the kit easier to open. The company used velcro on its larger survival kits rather than snap fasteners and is replacing the snap fasteners with velcro on the kit involved in this occurrence. The laces on the inner flaps have also been replaced with velcro. A utility knife attached with a lanyard has been added to permit piercing and cutting of the inner seals, and an instruction card explaining the opening procedure has been included.